Category: Motoring

Audi UK has appointed Tony Moore as head of marketing.

He moves across from his current position as head of product planning at Audi UK and will take up his new role in January 2022.

With more than 25 years’ experience in Volkswagen Group, Moore has broad management and leadership experience in various senior roles across Volkswagen Financial Services, Volkswagen Group UK, and Audi UK, including financial controlling, planning, supply, and product.

Andrew Doyle, director of Audi UK, said: “I would like to congratulate Tony on his new role as head of marketing at Audi UK.

“Tony’s vast experience and wealth of knowledge gained across financial, planning and product roles at the Volkswagen Group will prove invaluable as he leads our digital transformation.

“Under his leadership, and the expansion of our fully electric e-tron line-up, the Audi brand will go from strength to strength.”

Moore said: “Audi has established itself as the leading brand for e-mobility, luxury and innovation in the premium sector. I’m really eager to start leading the team into what will be an exciting and truly sustainable future.”

Ford Motor Company’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley has announced that the company was planning to increase its electric vehicle (EV) production to 600,000 cars by 2023.

“The demand is so much higher than we expected,” Farley said in a report by Automotive News , according to CNBC. “It’s a really new experience for this big company, trying to be agile. We had to approach it very differently than we’ve done capacity planning.”

The increased EV production would affect its E-Transit, Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning EVs, according to the Automotive News report, CNBC reported. Compared to what Ford originally anticipated producing over the next 24 months, the Ford CEO said the move would double those numbers.

Additionally, over 80 percent of those who are reservation holders for the F-150 Lightning EV will soon become converted to owners, Farley said.

The EV production news comes amid a push by President Joe Biden to have half of vehicle sales be electric by 2030.

Following the announcement, Ford had said at the time it anticipated that between 40 and 50 percent of its vehicle sales would be electric by then.

In an effort to ramp up its production, Ford earlier this year signaled it would be investing in more resources in Kentucky and Tennessee to up its EV production.

Ford announced in September that they, along with South Korea’s SK Innovation, would be investing over $11 billion dollars to go toward a pickup truck factory and three new battery plants. Ford said that 11,000 jobs would be created for those two states.

Porsche is cruising into the future in three lanes: alongside exhilarating petrol engines and powerful plug-in hybrids, electric powertrains form the third pillar of the powertrain strategy. This diversity is on display with numerous world premieres taking centre stage at the LA Auto Show. In addition to the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS, one of the highlights at this year’s event, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, the Taycan GTS and the Panamera Platinum Edition are making their first appearances.

When 500 PS (368 kW) from a high-revving mid-mounted engine meets a purist 1,415 kg kerb weight, it is time for the term ‘driving pleasure‘ to be redefined: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship model in the 718 family. The uncompromising driver’s car designed to impress with its lightweight construction, extremely agile chassis set-up, sophisticated aerodynamics and unique soundtrack.

The naturally aspirated flat-six engine, familiar from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car and the 911 GT3 series production model, forms the centrepiece of a sports car that has been designed for maximum driving pleasure. The engine revs as high as 9,000 rpm. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS has an extra 80 PS (59 kW), resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of 2.83 kg/PS. Maximum torque has been increased from 430 to 450 Nm.

The sports low-ratio PDK underpins the incredible acceleration of this mid-engined sports car. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds (GT4 with PDK: 3.9 seconds) and has a top speed of 315 km/h (GT4 with PDK: 302 km/h), which it reaches in seventh gear.

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS outpaced its sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4, on the Nürburgring Nordschleife by more than 23 seconds with a time of 7:04.511 minutes on the 20.6 km version of the circuit.

Among the striking features of the new, top-of-the-range 718 are the process air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows. They improve both the intake airflow and create a thrilling intake noise right next to the occupants’ ears.

In addition, the new fixed rear wing, its swan-neck attachment and aluminium wing supports, are a distinctive element of the exterior design. This highly efficient wing principle is derived from the Porsche 911 RSR GT racing car and was first adopted in a Porsche series production car with the 911 GT3. An optional Weissach package takes the dynamic design of the GT4 RS even further.

At the same time, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport racing version celebrates its premiere in Los Angeles. From 2022, the customer sports car will be launched in multiple national and international racing series. In addition to many upgraded details to further improve the overall performance, the standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) now uses all seven forward gears (rather than six) featuring shorter ratios. Depending on the track and series-specific regulations, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport can achieve lap times that are over two percent quicker than the previous model.

With a range of up to 504 km, based on WLTP figures, the new Taycan GTS is the first representative of the model series to hit the 500-km mark. As the sporty all-rounder of the model range it has an impressive 440 kW (598 PS) of overboost power when using Launch Control. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h can be achieved within 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed is 250 km/h.

The adaptive air suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), is specifically adapted to the GTS to further enhance lateral dynamics. The set-up of the optional rear-axle steering is also even sportier. The richer sound pattern of the modified Porsche Electric Sport Sound underscores the character of the new GTS model.

The exterior and interior are distinctive. There are numerous Black or dark details on the exterior, such as the front apron, the bases of the exterior mirrors and the side window trims. Numerous Black Race-Tex features in the interior underscore the elegant, dynamic ambience, as does the standard brushed aluminium interior package with Black anodised finish.

A panoramic roof with Sunshine Control is available as a new optional extra for the Taycan GTS. An electrically switchable liquid crystal film can change the roof from clear to matt. This protects the occupants from glare, without darkening the interior. The roof is divided into nine segments that can be switched individually – a world first in the automotive sector. In addition to the Clear and Matt settings, Semi and Bold can also be selected. These are predefined patterns with narrow or wide segments.

Porsche’s world premieres at the LA Auto Show 2021 include the Panamera Platinum Edition combining elegant, sporty design and high-quality equipment at an attractive price.

Automotive brands and their franchisees are getting set for honours come December 1, as organisers of the 2021 Nigerian Auto Awards, Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) announced finalists in each of the awards categories.

According to the chairman of the award committee, Theodore Opara, Car-of-The-Year (COTY) will be contested by Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio.

Weststar’s Associates Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Coscharis Motors’ BMW 7-series will compete  in the Luxury car of the year segment. In the compact SUV segment, Toyota RAV4 is coming back again to compete with Hyundai Tuscan and Ford Escape. Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Hardbody NP300 are set for the Pickup of the year segment.

Geely Coolray, being marketed by Mikano international limited, is going head to head with Jaguar F-Pace from the Coscharis Motors’ stable in the outstanding design and technology of the year category.

Elizade Nigeria Ltd will be competing in the auto workshop of the year with Dana Motors and Mandilas Enterprise (Motor Division). In the assembly plant of the year, Dana Motors, Stallion Motors’ VON assembly plant will slug it out in this category.

The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand award, while PAN has been nominated for the most resilient auto company of the year. Nigeria’s indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co is captured in auto assembler of the year ( local content)  because of its immense contribution in the development of the local auto industry and other ancillary allied automotive component makers.

Also giving some insights into some special recognition award, Opara disclosed that the executive governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma will be honoured for his massive patronage of locally assembled vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

“His gesture has immensely helped to develop the local auto industry and secure jobs for several thousands of Nigerians, and this he has been nominated for the Governor of the Year: Automotive Industry Support,” he added.

In his own remark, the incumbent Chairman of the Nigeria’s Auto Journalists Association, Mike Ochonma said all vehicles nominated in the various categories represent exceptional value and designs. Speaking of the awards, Ochonma stated that one thing has remained true to the contest; it celebrates and rewards automotive excellence in the country. ‘

’The NAJA awards which holds every year is part of our contribution towards the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry’’. The NAJA chairman concluded.

Austrian Technologies Nigeria Limited, promoter of Eco-Green bus in Nigeria, has promised to storm the Abuja Motor Fair with its gas-powered mass transit bus along with its technical team.

In a statement,Chief Executive Officer of firm, Mr Johann Rieger, said that it was part of measures to make Nigerians experience the uniqueness of the eco-friendly vehicle with its specially built exclusive features.

“We are coming to the Abuja motor fair in a big way with our technical crew. It is the first time we’re taking the Eco-green bus out for a public view and ride.

“Visitors have the rare opportunity of seeing the many unique features that are exclusive to the gas-powered eco-green bus,” he said.

Rieger had while announcing the introduction of the eco-friendly vehicles to Nigeria some weeks ago said the buses were built with European standards for critical climate and infrastructure, while being considerate towards price sensitivity of developing nations like Nigeria.

He also said visitors to the eco bus stand at the Abuja motor fair holding between today and Saturday at the International Conference Centre Annex, would be given a number of gift items/souvenirs.

He said the introduction of the eco-green bus to Nigeria could not have come at a better time when the world is worried about the debilitating effects of climate change and seriously considering the elimination of carbon emissions by stopping the production and use of fossil-fuel vehicles.

Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari had pledged that Nigeria would cut its emissions to net zero by 2060. The President made the promise in a speech he delivered at the COP26 Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow, Scotland.

Rieger said the eco-green buses had been rated among the safest and most economic mass transit vehicles globally and could reduce carbon footprints by 95 per cent and operating cost by 30 per cent.

He said the buses had been equipped with gas engines of higher emission standards (Euro 5) with no toxic, smog or smoke, guaranteeing reduced noise and lower fuel costs.

He gave some of the unique features as speed limiter, alcohol test and driver’s fatigue detection with driver’s biometric identification, CCTV camera system that can be directly integrated into the city surveillance system; reverse camera; handicapped ramp and wheelchair area.

Rieger listed the technical features of the bus as electronic dashboard with extended eco-telematics system, real time driver’s feedback on safety and economic driving and on-board video education with UNICEF support.

THE all-new TUCSON is designed for modern families. Thanks to its combination of state-of-the-art clean technology and features, drivers travelling with children can cruise comfortably down the motorway while enjoying a range of convenience offerings. In addition, a five-year unlimited warranty ensures families can travel with even more peace of mind.

The fourth generation of Hyundai’s successful compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) is packed with features that will make any trip just as enjoyable as the destination. The TUCSON ensures travelling for long periods is comfortable and even more convenient.

The car offers a significant amount of space so that families can travel in comfort and have a good time. From backpacks, suitcases, and prams to sporting equipment and camping supplies – flexible seating configurations and increased interior dimensions mean more storage space than ever before.

Built on a new platform, the TUCSON is larger than the previous generation model. For families, these enhanced dimensions translate to more space. Generous rear passenger legroom ensures even parents travelling in the rear can sit comfortably on longer journeys. This also ensures that there is plenty of room for car seats, making travelling with small children even more convenient. The all-new TUCSON offers one of the largest boot volumes in its class: increased boot space can store up to 620 litres with the seats up. By pulling the remote folding levers, the rear seats can be folded conveniently from the rear in a 40:20:40 ratio, creating enough room for up to almost three times as much storage. For added convenience, the Walk-in Device feature allows drivers to slide and recline the front passenger seat using a button on the seat’s bolsters. This helpful feature makes it easier for rear passengers to enter and exit the car and for parents to install a car seat for their child.

The TUCSON offers a wealth of innovative family-friendly comfort and convenience features for a human-centric user experience. These features benefit not only the driver but all passengers, regardless of which seat they are occupying. Hyundai’s fourth-generation TUCSON was developed with even more focus placed on rear-seat comfort.

The TUCSON’s Multi-Air Mode technology creates a more pleasant in-car environment with gentler airflow. By utilising a combination of direct and indirect air vents, this mode, when activated, reduces direct air contact and softens the air while still being just as effective at changing the temperature. Drivers and their passengers can look forward to a more subtle mode of turning on the air conditioning or heating. Additionally, occupants in the front of the vehicle and passengers in the rear seats can dictate their own comfort. With the three-zone climate control, the TUCSON can support multiple in-car environments simultaneously.

Heated and ventilated seats cater to passenger comfort as well. Heated seats can be found throughout the cabin, making them perfect for combating frosty early morning journeys to school.

Meanwhile, ventilated seats in the front ensure further comfort for the driver and passenger in the front seats, especially on lengthy journeys, such as family holidays.

Occupants can also enjoy pleasant ambient mood lighting, which is positioned in the two side pockets of the centre fascia, in the wireless charging pad and door map pocket. They offer 64 configurable colours and 10 levels of brightness to fit every mood and offer even more scope for personalisation.

Meanwhile, the ergonomically positioned armrest is connected to the shift by wire application for intuitive use by the driver, while also giving the car a clean and modern appeal.

Thanks to the seamless integration of state-of-the-art technology, the TUCSON is equipped with a fully configurable digital experience that is suited for the modern traveller. The dual adaptive cockpit features an open digital cluster and an infotainment touch screen that fills the centre of the vehicle – measuring at 10.25-inches each. Reducing physical knobs and buttons to a minimum, most infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning functions are controlled completely by touch, like most contemporary consumer electronics.

Through voice recognition, occupants can now access several features even easier. Using simple voice commands, they can activate and control in-car features, such as climate settings, infotainment controls, steering wheel heating, and tailgate opening. This personalised cockpit is intuitively optimised for a high-tech user experience.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow drivers to mirror the functionality of their iOS and Android smartphones in a simplified and convenient manner. Other infotainment and connectivity features on the TUCSON include a wireless charging pad in the centre console, a premium sound system by KRELL, and front and rear USB ports for even more convenience.

The Quiet Mode allows the driver’s row to listen to their chosen audio without transmitting it to the rear speakers. Whether radio, calls, or any other audio transmitted via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto, this is a perfect family-friendly feature that ensures occupants in the rear seat can continue sleeping undisturbed on long journeys.

The TUCSON offers the broadest line-up of electrified powertrains in the compact SUV segment – perfect for both a trip to the shops as well as an extended family holiday. It can be outfitted with the right electrified drivetrain for every type of driver: gasoline and diesel 48-volt mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Thanks to this wide selection, families can make a more responsible choice.

The line-up is based on either the Smartstream petrol engine or the Smartstream diesel engine. Both combustion engines are available with different levels of electrification. The petrol engine remains eco-friendly while optimising engine performance and fuel efficiency. When outfitted with Hyundai’s efficient and responsive 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, the petrol engine comes with two power outputs to give drivers the option of higher performance. That way, families can travel farther on less petrol and save more at the pump.

Customers can opt for the 230 PS hybrid powertrain in two or four-wheel drive for even more performance and reduced emissions. Paired with a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and available with a six-speed transmission, the electric motor delivers the power to get families around without sacrificing on driving fun or eco-friendliness.

As an alternative, the 265 PS plug-in hybrid variant allows drivers to travel purely electric for more than 50 kilometres. Customers can conveniently charge the battery at public charging stations or at home with a wallbox charger or a cable connected to a standard socket. The TUCSON offers a wide range of electrified powertrains.

Coscharis Motors Plc is set to replicate another show stopper to delight the Abuja and Northern automobile enthusiasts by participating in the Abuja version of the auto fair.

Scheduled to commence today at the International Conference Centre, Garki, Abuja. Coscharis’ participation at this edition of the auto fair is part of its marketing to avail its customers and stakeholders to partake in various end of the year promotional offerings and most especially availability of new variants that will be showcased at the auto fair.

General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde, said the firm would be showcasing the latest auto models of  Renault and Ford brands.

He said discounts opportunity will be given to those that visit their stands at the fair.

Babarinde said: “Our presence at this year’s Abuja Auto Fair is to give the opportunity to those discerning auto enthusiasts, most especially representatives of corporate organisations, government agencies that are potential fleet buyers to either round up the year or for future procurements ahead of a new business year – some compelling price discounts on our new variants like the Ford Edge and Ford Figo. While we are equally extending our ongoing promotions on the Renault Kwid and Koleos that goes with a brand new Abro Generating set on purchase of any of these Renault variants. It is exciting to note that part of the highlights of our presence at the fair will be the display of our locally assembled Renault Logan and Duster respectively to the delight of everyone that comes around the Coscharis pavilion for a good deal.”

Babarinde further expatiated that since the middle of the year, Coscharis Motors has continued to offer credible finance schemes to help customers cushion the impact of the harsh economic environment.

The Brand Manager, Felix Mahan said the brands commitment towards ensuring that Coscharis Motors continues to bring both the Renault and Ford brands closer to the customers as they are at the heart of everything the brands represents.

“Despite serious competition from several other brands, our aim is to continue to position the brands as customer-centric, which is why Coscharis will promise to deliver value for money at all times,” Mahan said.

Founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, is set to be honoured as Pillar of Auto Industry at the annual Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards (NAJA).

Other prominent personalities to be honoured at the event slated for December 1, are the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu; Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi; and Managing Director of Dana Motors, Jacky Hathiramani.

According to NAJA, the event, to be held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, will also be used to announce the Nigeria’s Car of the Year, among others.

NAJA in a statement said Chief Ade.Ojo is being honoured with Pillar of the Nigerian Auto Industry award for his contributions to the auto industry over the decades.

Chief Ade.Ojo has marketed and sold various auto brands like Peugeot and Volkswagen before settling for Toyota, a product he turned to a household name in the country.

Elizade Nigeria Limited, which was incorporated in 1973, and started business in 1971 with one employee, has become a conglomerate with several subsidiaries, and a reference point in Nigeria’s auto industry.

Similarly, the NADDC DG as well as the Dana Motors MD are to get Auto Personalities of the Year awards while Jelani has been very consistent in pushing the narrative for alternative greener automotive fuel, Hathiramani has been able to make the Kia brand a successful name in Nigeria.

Coscharis Motors Plc has partnered Sterling Bank on on-boarding its vehicles on the bank’s Non-Interest Banking Division platform- AltDrive to ease ownership via e-commerce transaction which can be self-funded or financed by the bank.

Coscharis Group General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications Abiona Babarinde, said the idea would provide customers an online retail marketplace to access and purchase any vehicular brand sold by Coscharis Motors either through self-funding or credit finance from Sterling Bank.

He added that the partnership offers a vehicle finance scheme, aimed at empowering retail and fleet buyers to purchase their choice vehicles from any Coscharis Motors outlet nationwide through a repayment plan with Sterling Bank.

According to him, the scheme will allow a repayment pattern spread over a period of five years with the option of a 15 per cent to 30 per cent down payment.

He further added that the focus is to deliver customers satisfaction given the bank’s friendly interest rate, ease of accessibility, quick turnaround time for credit processing at the bank and availability of myriads auto brands.

“We took this strategic decision earlier in the year to collaborate with relevant stakeholder partners to be able to give our numerous discerning customers and prospects alike the soft landing of owning any of our vehicles with ease in terms of providing friendly financial schemes. We started this initiative with one of our sister companies in the group, Coscharis Mobility representing Sixth in Nigeria amongst some other financial institutions while others are in the pipeline to come on board. This ultimately gives anyone the capability to purchase any of our brands with a more convenient payment terms with any of our partners like the Sterling Bank,” he said.

Stallion NMN Limited, Nigeria’s exclusive representative of Nissan brand, has rolled out an offer to acquire Nissan Almera with an option to pay in installments from next year.

The company’s General Manager, Amit Sharma, who made the announcement, said the offer aimed at assisting auto buyers through the harsh economic conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He explained:  “Harsh economic condition resulting from COVID has adversely affected the income of businesses and individuals such that it becomes a great deal to raise capital to buy a brand new car and pay outrightly. That is why we are providing Nissan customers flexible payment plan to buy a brand new car.

“In the Nissan Almera sales promotion, customers are exempted from making the first three installments of the loan. That means the repayment starts from the fourth installments onwards. The customers can make as low as 10 per cent down payment, spreading the balance from 12 to 48 months.”

In addition to a Special Interest Rate of 17 per cent, beneficiaries of this offer, according to Sharma, are also entitled to Free Vehicle and Life Insurance for First year, Free Vehicle Registration, First Three Services Labour Free and three years or 100,000 Km Warranty.

The Nissan Almera is powered by an impressive 1.5 litre petrol engine available in automatic transmission, delivering 73kW of power with 134Nm of torque – enough to get you from A to B in no time. While the Nissan ALMERA feels like a big car on the inside, it still offers small sedan efficiency. When it comes to performance and outstanding fuel economy, the Nissan ALMERA really is the intelligent choice for those looking for big value for money.

The ongoing Nissan Almera sales promo is in partnership with Access Bank, one of the leading banks in Nigeria for vehicle finance.

“And to benefit from this offer, the process is simple; an individual is required to simply to submit a Loan Application, Proforma Invoice, last 6 months salary slips, bank statements and,  in case of a company, a copy of Certificate of Incorporation and Board Resolution. The bank will assess the candidates with the help of these documents and approve the loan,” Sharma added.